The Ken Griffin Story You've Never Heard Before
The diagnosis was devastating.
Good morning, everyone.
This week’s newsletter includes: a sombre, untold true story from the Citadel universe.
The Story That Explains Citadel’s Rise Better Than Any Interview
Ken Griffin is the Billionaire Founder & CEO of one of the world’s most successful hedge funds - Citadel.
Here is the little known story of how he reacted when his executive assistant fell gravely ill…
In 2012 Susan Warmerdam - executive assistant to Ken at Citadel – was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
Despite having never smoked in her life, the condition was described by doctors as “untreatable and incurable”.
The diagnosis was devastating.
Upon hearing the news, Ken offered his private jet for her “to go anywhere in the world for 10 days.”
Susan couldn’t bring herself to take him up on the offer right away, but after two years of successful treatments including surgeries, clinical trials and chemotherapy, she was miraculously given the all clear and declared cancer free.
Upon hearing the news of Susan’s full recovery, and knowing her 50th birthday was nearing, Ken offered the jet to Susan again...
She accepted and took her entire family on vacation to Kauai – “the Garden Island” in Hawaii.
“He was so happy I was going,” Susan said.
The family posed for a picture creating letters that said Mahalo or ‘thank you’ in Hawaiian and sent it to Ken.
It’s not the first time Ken has offered employee’s unique opportunities and perks.
He has been known to rent entire movie theaters for employees and their families, to ship in special frozen milkshakes for the entire office from Wisconsin.
He also sends employees who have recently become parents gifts such as cashmere blankets and reading chairs.
Ken is frequently asked in interviews the secret behind how he has grown Citadel from his college dorm room to global investment giant so quickly, to which he typically replies:
“Our people are our greatest asset”.
Recommendation’s
If you have 30mins, this Ken interview is great. If you have 2mins, check this out.
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